Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026
Sub-acute Cerebral Microhemorrhages Induced by Lipopolysaccharide Injection in Rats
Published on: October 17, 2018
[Do cerebral microbleeds increase the risk of hemorrhagic complications of thrombolytic therapy?]
T A Polyakova1, A V Arablinsky2, O S Levin1
1Russian Medical Academy for Postgraduate Education, Moscow, Russia.
Abstract:
The role of the cerebral microbleeds (CMB) as a potential predictor of hemorrhagic complications of thrombolytic therapy is discussed. CMB are small perivascular hemosiderin deposits in the brain detected by magnetic resonance imaging in gradient echo T2* or SWI sequences. They are associated (along with leukoaraiosis or lacunes) with cerebral microangiopathies. Most often CMB are associated with hypertensive arteriopathy (the main cause of CMB localization) or cerebral amyloid angiopathy (the main cause of cerebral CMB). Despite the controversies of recent data, most of researchers agree that thrombolytic therapy in patients with multiple CMB increases the risk of hemorrhagic complications. Neuroimaging diagnosis of CMB may be important in making decision for thrombolytic therapy.
Insights
Cerebral microbleeds (CMB) are brain lesions that increase the risk of bleeding complications during thrombolytic therapy. Identifying multiple CMB through neuroimaging may guide treatment decisions for patients receiving clot-busting drugs.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Cerebral microbleeds (CMB) are small perivascular hemosiderin deposits in the brain.
- CMB are detected using specific magnetic resonance imaging sequences like gradient echo T2* or SWI.
- They are associated with cerebral microangiopathies, including hypertensive arteriopathy and cerebral amyloid angiopathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the role of cerebral microbleeds (CMB) as predictors of hemorrhagic complications from thrombolytic therapy.
- To highlight the diagnostic significance of CMB in clinical decision-making for thrombolysis.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on cerebral microbleeds and thrombolytic therapy.
- Analysis of neuroimaging findings (MRI T2* or SWI) for CMB detection.
- Correlation of CMB presence and number with hemorrhagic complication rates.
Main Results:
- Multiple cerebral microbleeds (CMB) are increasingly recognized as a risk factor for hemorrhagic complications following thrombolytic therapy.
- Despite some data controversies, a consensus suggests increased bleeding risk in patients with multiple CMB.
- Neuroimaging detection of CMB is crucial for risk stratification.
Conclusions:
- Cerebral microbleeds (CMB) are significant indicators of hemorrhagic risk in patients undergoing thrombolytic therapy.
- Neuroimaging-based identification of CMB can inform treatment strategies to mitigate bleeding risks.
- Further research may refine the predictive value of CMB in thrombolysis.
